The Teguise Sunday Market is the biggest street market in Lanzarote. It is held every Sunday in the historic town, featuring many local shops, food stalls, traditional music, and dancing. Visiting it is an experience you must enjoy when going to the island. Keep reading and take note of these tips for your next visit.
What is the Teguise Sunday Market?
Teguise is the former capital of the island. The streets of this traditional town are transformed into pedestrian-only areas, hosting the most famous and largest market on the island of Lanzarote.
There are over 400 stalls offering products ranging from clothing, souvenirs and crafts to agricultural goods and traditional gastronomy. It is one of the largest markets in Europe, and thousands of local and international visitors enjoy this experience.
You should visit this market, as it is a great opportunity to buy all sorts of items, including souvenirs and gifts to take back home. Additionally, it is the perfect place to sample local food and drinks.
Teguise Market Opening Times
The Teguise Sunday Market is held every Sunday from 9:00 to 14:00. If you prefer to avoid crowds and find parking easily, it is advisable to arrive early.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy performances by street artists, traditional dances and other cultural activities.
Where is the market located?
The Teguise market takes place throughout the historic centre of the town of Teguise. All the streets are filled with stalls, creating a vibrant atmosphere and allowing visitors to experience the local culture.
The distance from the town to the airport is 18.1 km, so you can reach it by car in around 19 minutes. In addition, Teguise is located in the heart of Lanzarote and is easily accessible from any part of the island.
How to Get to Teguise Sunday Market?
There are several ways to get to the Teguise Sunday Market, depending on how you choose to move around Lanzarote:
- By car: If you rent a car to explore the island at your own pace, it is easy to reach the Teguise market, as this town is in the centre of Lanzarote. There is parking available, but it can be crowded, so it is better to arrive early in the morning. The routes depend on where you are staying: it takes 45 minutes from Playa Blanca, 30 minutes from Puerto Del Carmen, and around 20 minutes from Arrecife and Costa Teguise.
- By bus: Lanzarote has a good public bus service, the guaguas. Buses from every major town on the island go to Arrecife. You can check the routes and times on arrecifebus.com. By bus, it will take a little longer to get there than by car.
- Day trips: There are Teguise Market tours with modern buses and a guide.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Teguise Sunday Market depends on what you’re looking for in your market experience:
- Early Morning Benefits: The market opens at around 9 am, so it is beneficial to arrive early if you want to avoid crowds. You can browse the stands calmly, with more space and no rush. Additionally, parking is easier to find early in the morning.
- Midday Visit: Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm are the busiest times at the market. If you don’t mind the crowds, you will experience the market at its liveliest, with bustling energy. This is also the best time to see the music and dance performances. However, it can be overwhelming, and finding parking may be difficult.
At 2:00 pm, the stands start closing. This might be a good time to find bargains, as vendors might be more willing to negotiate.
What to Expect at the Market
The Teguise Sunday Market is a mixture of sounds, smells, and sights.
There you can expect:
- Live Music and Performances: Street performers add entertainment to your visit, playing Canarian music with local instruments.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Musicians and dancers will entertain children, and there are often animals to see as well.
What to Buy at Teguise Market
The Teguise market is extensive, and you will find a wide range of local products that you can enjoy on-site or take home. Artisans take the opportunity to showcase their creations to visitors. This is a perfect place to find handcrafted goods, from jewellery made with volcanic rock to paintings and woven items.
Some unique items to look out for include aloe vera products, volcanic rock jewellery, and calado (a traditional Canarian embroidery technique).
You can also buy handmade clothing, beachwear, souvenirs, and accessories to suit every taste and budget.
And, of course, local food and drinks are not to be missed. Try traditional Canarian foods, such as fresh cheeses, cured meats, mojo sauces, and fruits. There are also international food stalls and plenty of snacks and drinks available.
Top Tips for a Successful Visit
What to Wear and Bring:
Wear comfortable and breathable clothes, as Lanzarote’s weather is sunny almost all year round. Also, wear comfortable shoes, because you will be walking a lot. Don’t forget to use sun protection, as the market is outdoors. Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Bargaining Tips:
In markets like these, it is customary to haggle, especially for souvenirs and clothing. Have fun with it, but always be respectful.
Stay hydrated
Bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Although there are places at the market where you can buy drinks, it is recommended to carry a reusable bottle. This way, you can save your money for souvenirs and other local products.
Bring cash
The best way to pay for the products you wish to buy is in cash. While some of the larger stalls may accept credit and debit cards, most vendors only take cash.
Enjoy the atmosphere
The Teguise Market is much more than just a place to shop. Immerse yourself in local culture, sample Canarian cuisine, and enjoy the music and street performances.
Safety and Security:
Lanzarote is generally a safe place, but it’s wise to be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas. Follow these safety and security tips:
- Carry your wallet in your front pocket, or keep your purse front-facing.
- Avoid backpacks.
- Don’t count money in public.
- Keep your bags closed.
- Stay with your group and pay attention to children. Agree on a meeting point if someone gets lost.
- Some stands sell fake goods, so be aware and don’t pay full price without haggling if you want them.
Food and Drink Options
As mentioned before, the Teguise Sunday Market is excellent for trying local food, but you can also find international flavours. Try local dishes like papas arrugadas, chorizo, and Canarian cheese. For desserts, try bienmesabe.
If you get tired of walking, there are many restaurants and cafes nearby in the town.
Is there a Costa Teguise Sunday Market?
No. Some may think Costa Teguise and Teguise are the same town, but they are not. Costa Teguise has its own market in Pueblo Marinero, held on Friday and Tuesday mornings and on Wednesday evenings, also with local art, souvenirs, crafts, live music, and food.
FAQs – Teguise Sunday Market
What time does Teguise Market open?
The Teguise market opens every Sunday at 9:00 in the morning and runs until 14:00.
Is it free to enter?
Yes, entry to the market is completely free.
How big is the market?
The Teguise Market occupies most of the town’s historic centre and features around 400 stalls. It is one of the largest in the Canary Islands.
Can you pay by card?
Not all stalls accept credit or debit cards. Bring cash to avoid any inconvenience and make your purchases easier.
To Sum Up
Visiting Teguise Sunday Market, the biggest in Lanzarote, is a great experience when travelling around the island. It is perfect for buying local products and clothes as well as trying traditional food.
Book transfers from Lanzarote airport to costa teguise and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the market and enjoy the experience!
Our company seeks to deliver the best service you can find on the island today. We seek to optimise our clients’ time and resources, which is why we respect the schedules and offer the best prices for different transfers.
